Alleged Seattle Jewish Center Gunman Has Security Clearance

July 30, 2006: According to news reports, here and here, a man who allegedly opened fire at a Seattle Jewish center, killing one and wounding at least five others, holds a federally-issued security clearance as a condition of his employment at the Hansford nuclear reservation. The suspect reportedly worked there with his father and other members of the local Muslim community.

Notably, just prior to the shooting, the suspect reportedly was stopped and ticketed for a minor traffic infraction but, according to police, gave no indication of suspicious activity or his impending plan.

In light of recent policy recommendations that persons holding security clearances should be entitled to expedited screening at airports, this incident is particularly noteworthy. It is also notable that the suspect held a clearance despite reports of a history of mental illness and pending charge of lewd conduct.

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Filed Under: Adjudication, Reform